UNIHIKER K10 + M10 AI & IoT Learning Kit

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

API

An API is a software interface that lets a program control hardware or features provided by the operating system. In this product, API support matters if you want your software to adjust display settings such as brightness or contrast automatically.

Debian OS

Debian OS is a Linux-based operating system commonly used on computers and single-board computers. Having Debian support means the board can run many standard Python, networking, and development tools used in real-world projects.

edge computing

Edge computing means processing data close to where it is collected, such as on the device itself, rather than sending everything to the cloud. This can reduce delays, internet dependence, and privacy concerns in sensor, camera, and robotics projects.

ESP32

ESP32 is a family of microcontroller modules with built-in wireless features such as Bluetooth and WiFi. Knowing this product uses an ESP32-based module helps explain how it provides wireless serial communication and firmware update features.

Gravity

Gravity is DFRobot’s plug-in connector system for sensors, motors and modules, using standard cables to reduce loose jumper wiring. It matters because Gravity-compatible parts can connect directly to these ports, while non-Gravity parts may need adapters or manual wiring.

Gyroscope

A gyroscope measures rotation, such as how fast a board is turning around its X, Y, and Z axes. This matters for projects like gesture controls, balancing robots, and motion tracking where tilt or rotation changes need to be detected.

IoT

Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.

Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter Notebook is an interactive coding environment where code, notes, results, and graphs can be kept together in one document. It is useful for teaching and experiments because students can run Python step by step and immediately see the output.

LED

A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.

MicroPython

A version of the Python programming language made to run on microcontrollers. It matters because it lets beginners write readable code to control LEDs, sensors, motors and displays without needing to start with lower-level languages.

MobileNet

MobileNet is a type of image-recognition machine-learning model designed to run efficiently on smaller computers and mobile devices. It matters for maker AI projects because it can recognise objects or images without needing a powerful desktop computer.

Motion detection

A camera feature that checks the image for changes that suggest something has moved. It matters because your project can use movement as a trigger instead of constantly saving or processing every frame.

MQTT

A lightweight messaging protocol often used for IoT devices to publish and receive data through a server called a broker. It matters for home automation and sensor networks because it is simple, efficient, and widely supported.

RAM

RAM is temporary memory used while a device is running, and its contents are lost when power is removed. A “Run in RAM” mode is useful for testing settings without permanently programming the module, but it may not support every feature.

RGB

Short for red, green and blue, usually referring to an LED that can mix those three colours. It matters because controlling an RGB LED teaches how separate outputs combine to create different colours.

SIoT

SIoT is a local Internet of Things server system used to collect and share data between connected devices, often using MQTT messaging. It matters when choosing a learning kit because it lets a classroom or project network store and exchange device data without relying entirely on cloud services.

SRAM

Fast temporary memory used by a processor while a program is running. More SRAM helps with projects that handle larger data buffers, networking, displays, or more complex code.

TinyML

TinyML means running small machine-learning models directly on a microcontroller or small board instead of sending data to a cloud service. It matters because it can make AI projects faster, more private, and usable without constant internet access, but the models must be small enough for the device.

UNIHIKER

UNIHIKER is a small programmable computer board used in education and maker projects, often connected to external sensors and modules. Compatibility matters because the cable must match the board’s connector type and pin layout.

USB Type-C

A reversible USB connector used for power and data on many modern devices. On this kit it indicates an alternate 5V power input, which may be useful for setup or charging without the solar panel.